The Library of William Congreve

"The Library of William Congreve" by John C. Hodges is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. This work delves into the life and literary collection of William Congreve, an important figure of the English Restoration period, known for his plays and contributions to drama. The primary focus of the book is on Congreve's personal library, exploring the titles and influences that shaped his work. At the start of the publication, the introduction sets the stage by discussing Congreve's death in 1729 and the subsequent fate of his book collection. It introduces the key players involved, such as his friend Jacob Tonson, who valued Congreve's library, and the Duchess of Marlborough, to whom the books were bequeathed. Hodges describes the journey of the library, including its tedium of cataloging the titles, and explores the significance of these works in understanding Congreve’s scholarly interests, contemporary literary connections, and the enduring legacy of his contributions to literature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Congreve was an English playwright, poet and Whig politician. His works, which form an important component of Restoration literature, were known for their use of satire and the comedy of manners genre. Notable plays he wrote include The Old Bachelor (1693), The Double Dealer (1694), Love for Love (1695), The Mourning Bride (1697) and The Way of the World (1700). He died in London, and was buried at the Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.